Health Minister Mark Butler has slammed the ABC for airing a violent segment about mining magnate Gina Rinehart, saying the content never should have aired.
Butler joined the growing chorus of outrage as the national broadcaster comes under fire for the Race Around the World program that aired on July 12.
In the segment, a self-described 'Scottish forest warrior ninja' guides contestant Kate McGuinness through a series of relaxation and nature-based exercises, then ends with a graphic and violent comment about Mrs Rinehart.
Speaking on News24 on Sunday, Butler described the segment as 'pretty revolting' and questioned why it had been broadcast by any Australian television network.
'It's pretty revolting and it's not the sort of thing I think we should see on TV, whether it's News24, a commercial television station or our public broadcaster, frankly,' he said.
Butler noted the ABC's internal complaints process was underway, but said the broader issue was why such material had been shown at all.
'Why do we have to see rubbish like this on our TVs - regardless of who it's about?' he said.
'I have seen coverage of this episode, I understand the person responsible for it has apologised, but, at the end of the day, this sort of material shouldn't be on our TVs.'
Mark Butler (pictured) slammed the ABC segment featuring violent remarks about Rinehart
Butler joined the growing chorus of outrage as the national broadcaster comes under fire for the Race Around the World program that aired on July 12
The ABC segment has also prompted scrutiny of the national broadcaster's editorial procedures.
Communications Minister Anika Wells addressed the controversy on Monday in Canberra, backing the ABC's decision to refer the matter to its independent complaints process but declined to comment on the substance of the segment.
'I think it's a good and righteous thing that the ABC has referred it to the ombudsman,' Wells said.
'As the Minister for Communications, I take the editorial independence really seriously and I respect their processes, so it is now with the ombudsman, I think that is a good thing.'
Wells said she supported the ABC's handling of the complaint through its internal procedures, stressing the importance of maintaining editorial independence while the investigation continues.
Last week, Ms McGuinness issued a statement through the ABC, saying the piece was intended as satire and was never meant to encourage violence.
'The sense of humour featured in each of my films on the Race Around The World program is farcical,' Ms McGuinness said.
'In no way was it my intention to promote violence.
The segment about Rinehart (pictured) is now being reviewed by the ABC's ombudsman
'My writing is cartoonish and always satirical. Unfortunately, jokes do not land with everyone.
'Its purpose was never to be taken literally. I apologise to anyone I've offended.'
The ABC is continuing to investigate the matter through its internal complaints process.
